Expert: John McInnis - 6/4/2011

Question
Is a hit runner going from first to second considered a force out when that is the final out of the inning and a runner scored from 3rd to home? Does the run count?

Answer
Hi Joshua,

the rule Rule 7.09 is that if a runner is hit by a batted ball, the runner is automatically called out and the play is dead.  Run does not count.  A runner has to everything possible to avoid being hit by the ball.

Exceptions are rare - umpire has to be convinced that no play was possibly interferred with.
"If a fair ball goes through or by an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches the runner after having been deflected by a fielder, the umpires shall not declare the runner out for being touched by a batted ball."

Enjoy the baseball season,
JohnMc